Here We Go Again

Some people just never learn.

After Democrats in Congress were able to derail the nomination of Republican fundraiser Sam Fox as Ambassador to Belgium, President Bush withdrew the nomination -- and then the minute the Democrats were out of Washington, made him a recess appointment. This allows him to bypass Congress and have Fox installed in the position without consent of Congress until after Bush is out of office.

"This is really now taking the recess appointment vehicle and abusing this beyond anyone's imagination," said Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), according to an AP story by Jennifer Loven. "This is a travesty."

Fox's nomination was pushed back by the Senate because Fox had donated money to the Swift Boat group that slimed John Kerry during the 2004 presidential campaign and which may, according to some, have cost Kerry the election. The 77-year-old businessman has donated millions to Republican causes.

But the important point here is not whether one deep pockets donor to right wing causes gets to be rewarded with a position as ambassador. It's what it says about George W. Bush and his contempt for Congress and the rule of law. It speaks to his desire to have his own way no matter what -- even if he has to break the law to do it.

It's a symbol of why George W. Bush is the worst president in the lifetime of anyone currently drawing breath on this planet. And it gives the Democrats in Congress renewed motivation to oppose his policies.

In other words, it's all about unintended consequences, which is the leitmotif of this incompetent administration.

Tom Moran